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A U.S. President continues to bring a historic milestone into my life.

In a move that shocked no one, President Joe Biden announced Sunday that he will not seek re-election. Since Biden’s poor debate performance against former President Donald Trump on June 24, several Democratic leaders called for him to step aside. 

“My fellow Democrats, I have decided not to accept the nomination and to focus all my energies on my duties as President for the remainder of my term,” Biden said in a statement. 

Selma and Dallas County residents remember Biden’s visit to the Queen City on March 5, 2023. Biden vowed to help Selma recover from the tornado destroying 40% percent of the area on January 12, 2023. 

Biden delivered as White House infrastructure coordinator and Biden senior advisor Mitch Landrieu met with Selma Mayor James Perkins Jr. and Dallas County Probate Judge Jimmy Nunn on March 8, 2023. Perkins and Nunn both thanked Biden for helping improve the area and so did the U.S. Rep Terri Sewell, D-Selma. 

The entire Selma Times-Journal team wrote a note on our board saying, “We hope you enjoy your visit, Mr. President.”

I appreciated Biden leaving a thank you note for using the Selma Times-Journal building during his visit to Selma. My name was not on the note Biden signed, but it meant everything the President signed it.

This was my first time being near a President. When then-President George W. Bush visited Biloxi, Mississippi after Hurricane Katrina ravaged the Gulf South Region in 2005, I was nowhere near him. 

The opportunity to see a second President may come into fruition if Vice President Kamala Harris secures the nomination and beats Trump in November. Harris has spoken at the Bridge Crossing Jubilee twice, including on March 3. Biden endorsed Harris as his successor. 

“I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year,” Biden said. “Democrats — it’s time to come together and beat Trump. Let’s do this.’’

Should Harris get the nomination at the Democratic convention next month in Chicago, Trump better not underestimate her. She can beat him.

James Jones is the managing editor of The Selma Times-Journal. He can be reached at james.jones@selmatimesjournal.com.